namwicha

excellent information. I have always maintained a good attitude overcomes almost all. Why go on vacation to be grumpy and at odds with everyone? Finally I can breath a sigh of relief and look forward to my vacation. Now I just have to wait!

Gary, Thank you very much. Very helpful. It seems from your perspective that Costa Does strive to put forth a quality product. That's all I'm hoping for, It's up to me to enjoy it. enjoy your future travels.

Thanks, all for the encouragement. It is good to hear some positives. As mentioned later I am a seasoned traveler who has experienced expensive European travel, backpacking, Asian explorations, South American sojourns and Caribbean camping trips. This trip is Transatlantic, so I look forward to revisiting Europe, speaking the language, visiting the countries, then crossing the Atlantic. Half of the time I will be at sea. I'm not bothered by other nationalities, rather, well, that's why I travel. I am a chef by trade. I have eaten things that, well I think should not be part of the food chain. When the suckling pig is served whole with the head on I say, dig in. If it is poorly cooked and inedible, well, that's different. If it is served at times that are inconvenient to eat it I say there is something wrong. And if I have to pay for the plate it is served on additionally or say water, I question the business model this is based on. And if enough people spread the word that this is an inferior product, well..... I mean, the Italian experience should be able to produce edible pasta. Some reviews said no!

Then, if I cant get information from the purveyor (costa) it does seem questionable. So I am very grateful for all the feedback. I will continue to do my homework. The price is not that great, not like flying Ryan Air. It's still expensive. But the itinerary is very attractive. Thankfully, some positive feedback is steering me back.

G.M.T. was the only European who responded. What do Euros think of this cruise line? Is it more than the cheap prices that keep it going?

Again, thanks for all the feedback.

Thanks for the feedback. I am a world traveler as well. well versed in European ways, worldwide cultures, cities, country, diversity, etc. I tend to discount the opinions of people who don't seem to much understand or care for "foreigners" as not being important to my experience. Those who grumble they didn't like their fellow passengers for one reason or another are entitled to their opinion, but the world is thus. My concern is I am paying Audi money, I don't shouldn't have to accept a VW. (no offence to either car company)

GMT- I'm a little confused, still. I guess the basic question is does the quality of the experience have to vary so greatly between "European expectations" and "American expectations" . I expect a quality experience for quality money. Europeans Should expect the same quality experience for their quality money. It should not be a matter of what they are willing to accept for the money. Why should Costa be able to get away with, seemingly unconcerned, providing such a sub standard product because they cater to a different audience? OR am I being fooled by their lack of commitment to me 9 MONTH prior to my cruise by NOT providing intelligible information. Maybe it really IS all that. But should I have to commit upwards of $10000 to find out? On my own? with no help from them? Understandably, you would hope people who have been on their line, experienced their attitude and been wowed by their experience would be more kind in their opinion . My problem is I understand what opinions are worth- everybody has the right to accept them, believe them or leave them. Thus the struggle.

I should also say at this point it is not JUST disgruntled passengers . One recent poll put them at the BOTTOM of the list- the worst cruise line. Ouch. If you track the timelines on the reviews, the quality has gotten worse over the past 10 years. I understand the reviews are coming from the American market. Does anyone know how to get some European opinions?

This doesn't make sense.

Ok, I have booked a cruise on Costa for December '16. While I have cruised many times on many ships with several lines (Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, RCL) this will be my first outing with Costa and so I am doing my research. This has been overwhelming. The negatives FAR outweigh the positives. BY A LOT. Most of the posters complain about bad service, uncaring staff, money grubbing policies, rude staff, limits on access to basics (water, coffee, tea) unresponsive staff, poor quality food, limited dining choices (buffets limited times) , confusing choices, lack of communication, lack of information, THE DAMN STAFF. The list goes on. I am aware that people are far more likely to air their grievances than sing praises: if you had a good time, good- if you had a bad time, teach them a lesson! But still, come on, Costa.

Add to this the fact that The ONLY opinion I can get, across the internet is from haters. The Costa site is a JOKE. Very little information, confusing at best, unclear and incomplete. Though it is in English if you choose, clearly it is not aimed at me. If you have booked a cruise with any major line serving the USA you can access information regarding dining (sample menus on any ship, any restaurant), drinking (clear packages, wine lists, beverages, etc) services (spa, flowers, in room) and excursions ( for every port) . At best the information provided is spotty,

Policies: What is the tipping policy- some say US booked cruises can refuse the mandatory tip charge and tip individually, others deny this. Some say there is a US water policy (free at lunch and diner), others say no. What does Costa say? Good luck trying to find out.

I guess, what I'm getting at is this: WHAT THE HELL, COSTA- Don't you care.

And why should I give you my hard earned money for a 27 day 'cruise from hell'. Do you read and respond to any critique of your service, or has the bar been set so low you don't have to care. It would be one thing if I booked a cruise on a low budget, dirt cheap "Euro Ferry" for bargain hunters, But I haven't- I'm paying top dollar.

Am I wasting my money?

any response, anyone?

Thank you. very helpful

On the long transatlantic in December. Does the deliziosa have a laundry facility ( self service laundry machines) on board or just the onboard laundry

service. ? any knowledge would help. thanks

Booked a 26 day transatlantic/Caribbean cruise for December on the Deliziosa. Love longer cruises but first cruise with Costa. Originates in Italy. While I understand there are many entertainment options, sometimes I like to unwind in my cabin and watch some TV. Question: programing on TV- is there any English language programing? Likewise, when movies are shown are they in English? Subtitles? Does anyone have any experience with these transatlantic cruises? Thanks in advance.

Thanks, I will check them out.

Just booked a cruise on Costa from Italy to USA and have many questions. But my first is concerning the wine situation. Have cruised on many North American cruises and have always had the opportunity to purchase a "wine package" of 4 or 7 bottles throughout the cruise, usually from the dining room wine list. So far, I have not found any information on such a package, or even the existence of a wine list. Cruisers have referenced beverage packages which give you 'Red' or 'white' or 'blush', but don't mention an actual wine list. Any info?

I know this sounds silly, but I have read a review which mentioned the in room TV was mostly non English broadcasts, with the exception of news channels. I know I should be doing almost ANYTHING else on my cruise, but I enjoy relaxing and watching a movie, or a show while I drift off. Can someone advise me?

Also, what is the room service policy and are there decent menu options- I have seen other cruise lines cut back to a bare minimum regarding room service breakfast and late night.

Thanks in advance